Baltimore County Restaurant Week kicks off Friday

CaptionNo. 100: Woman's Industrial Kitchen

Amy Davis, Baltimore Sun photo

Reviving the historic lunchroom at the Woman's Industrial Exchange sounded like the kind of impossible task issued to heroines in fairy tales, like picking lentils out of the ashes. But Irene Smith, who gained an ardent local following with her Souper Freak food truck, has pulled off a happy...

Reviving the historic lunchroom at the Woman's Industrial Exchange sounded like the kind of impossible task issued to heroines in fairy tales, like picking lentils out of the ashes. But Irene Smith, who gained an ardent local following with her Souper Freak food truck, has pulled off a happy... (Amy Davis, Baltimore Sun photo)

The main attraction at this Greektown favorite is the charcoal-flame rotisserie, which turns out tender and tasty, simply seasoned lamb chops, marinated pork, chicken and fish. Its full name, Zorba's Bar and Grill, suggests the casual atmosphere, which is not so much a full-service restaurant...

The main attraction at this Greektown favorite is the charcoal-flame rotisserie, which turns out tender and tasty, simply seasoned lamb chops, marinated pork, chicken and fish. Its full name, Zorba's Bar and Grill, suggests the casual atmosphere, which is not so much a full-service restaurant... (Karl Merton Ferron, Baltimore Sun photo)

A cash-only policy, no reservations and a carry-out atmosphere never stop crowds from pouring in. The food is simple, robust and hugely satisfying. Portions are generous, except in cases where they're overly so. Samos' game isn't culinary drama but satisfying diners with good Greek cooking. •...

A cash-only policy, no reservations and a carry-out atmosphere never stop crowds from pouring in. The food is simple, robust and hugely satisfying. Portions are generous, except in cases where they're overly so. Samos' game isn't culinary drama but satisfying diners with good Greek cooking. •... (Gene Sweeney Jr., Baltimore Sun photo)

The Persian food still simmers and sizzles beautifully at this family-owned delight. A few dishes, like poached duck in pomegranate-walnut sauce and the stewed leg of lamb with butternut squash and dried plums, have achieved classic status. • Restaurant info.: Orchard Market & Cafe, 8815...

Baltimore County Restaurant Week starts Friday and runs through Jan. 27. Chefs and owners from some of the 44 participating restaurants were expected to join Baltimore County Executive Kevin Kamenetz and Baltimore County Chamber of Commerce President Keith Scott on Thursday morning at Patrick's of Cockeysville for a Restaurant Week kick-off event.

The county's version, unlike the city's, allows restaurants to set the fixed-price for their menus anywhere from $10 to $35 for anywhere from one to four courses. That makes comparing menus rough.

The blue ribbon for the county's best restaurant week menu goes, hands-down, to Il Basilico (formerly Pasta Blitz), which is presenting an eight-course menu of slow-cooked Italian food. The courses are smaller, said Il Basilico owner and chef Anna Di Pierno, but diners will be able to taste more things. The plates include gnocchi with a pesto of pistachio and bacon, "sea-aroma" risotto with pears and Gulf shrimp, zucchini alla scapece, steamed tuna and a dessert trio of tiramisu, millefoglie and ciambella (Italian doughnuts).

Here's the breakdown of which restaurants are operating on the high and low ends. Keep in mind you won't necessarily find better value on the low end or better food on the high. Some of the participating restaurants are also offering specially priced lunch menus. Ten or so restaurants hadn't posted their Restaurant Week menus on the Baltimore County Restaurant Week website by Wednesday afternoon.

FALL RIVER, Mass. — In the days leading up to his death, Odin Lloyd and former New England Patriots player Aaron Hernandez corresponded through text messages about meeting, according to testimony given in court Tuesday.

The Republican-controlled Congress admitted defeat and sent legislation to President Barack Obama on Tuesday that funds the Department of Homeland Security without the immigration-related concessions they demanded for months.